Three-Panel Clapping Device

ABSTRACT

A three-panel clapping device is an apparatus that allows a user to create a continuously clapping sound by moving the apparatus back and forth. The apparatus includes a first panel, a second panel, a middle panel, a rounded handle, a leather band, a metal fastener, and a printed graphic. The first panel and the second panel swiftly hit the middle panel during the back and forth movement of the apparatus, which creates the clapping sound. The middle panel is connected to the rounded handle, which allows the user to stabilize the middle panel as the first panel and the second panel are moving back and forth. The leather band and the metal clip bind the bottom of the both the first panel and the second panel to the middle panel, which allows the first panel and the second panel to flap and hit the middle panel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus that is moved back and forth by the user to create a clapping sound. More specifically, the device smacks two flappable panels against a stable middle panel in order to create the clapping sound.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditionally during a performance, the members of an audience would need to smack their hands against each other in order to create a clapping sound. Continuously producing the clapping sound can become very exhausting over a long period of time. Therefore, it is an objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus that continuously creates a louder clapping sound with minimal effort by the user. It is another objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can be used as a noise maker by spectators in order to cheer the home team or to create distracting noise for the away team. In addition, the present invention can be used to cheer at other festive events and activities. It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus that allows the user to synchronize the clapping sound to the beat of music playing in the background by shaking the apparatus at the appropriate time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a left perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a right perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic depicting how the present invention produces a continuous clapping sound through a back and forth movement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, the present invention is a three-panel clapping device, which allows a user to create a clapping sound by moving the present invention back and forth. The present invention comprises a first side panel 1, a second side panel 4, a middle panel 7, a rounded handle 10, a leather band 16, a metal fastener 19, and a printed graphic 20, which are showing FIGS. 1 and 3. The first side panel 1 and the second side panel 4 smack (or swiftly hit) against the middle panel 7 while the user is moving the present invention back and forth in order to continuously create the clapping sound. The user can move the present invention back and forth faster in order to create a louder and more rapid clapping sound. In the preferred embodiment of present invention, the first side panel 1, the second side panel 4, and the middle panel 7 are made of poplar wood in order to improve the clapping sound. The rounded handle 10 allows the user to tightly grasp the present invention without hurting their hand. The rounded handle 10 is laterally connected to the middle panel 7 and is centrally aligned to the middle panel 7. The leather band 16 and the metal fastener 19 are used to bind the first side panel 1 and the second side panel 4 to the middle panel 7. The leather band 16 is also positioned adjacent to the rounded handle 10 so that the bottom portion of the first side panel 1 and the bottom portion of the second side panel 4 are held firmly in place while the top portion of the first side panel 1 and the top portion of the second side panel 4 are able to freely move and to smack the middle portion. The printed graphic 20 can be used to display any visual image on the present invention.

In order to create the clapping sound with the present invention, the binding connection between the first side panel 1, the second side panel 4, and the middle panel 7 with the leather band 16 should have a particular configuration. The components of this binding connection are shown in FIG. 4. Consequently, the first side panel 1 comprises a first proximal hole 2 and a first distal hole 3. The first proximal hole 2 and the first distal hole 3 are positioned adjacent to each other so that the leather band 16 does not need to be too long in order for the leather band 16 to span the first side panel 1. The first proximal hole 2 and the first distal hole 3 are positioned adjacent to the rounded handle 10, which allows the leather band 16 to firmly hold the bottom portion of the first side panel 1 to the middle panel 7. Similarly, the second side panel 4 comprises a second proximal hole 5 and a second distal hole 6. The second proximal hole 5 and the second distal hole 6 are positioned adjacent to each other so that the leather band 16 does not need to be too long in order for the leather band 16 to span the second side panel 4. The second proximal hole 5 and the second distal hole 6 are positioned adjacent to the rounded handle 10, which allows the leather band 16 to firmly hold the bottom portion of the second side panel 4 to the middle panel 7. Likewise, the middle panel 7 comprises a middle proximal hole 8 and a middle distal hole 9. The middle proximal hole 8 and the middle distal hole 9 are positioned adjacent to each other so that the leather band 16 does not need to be too long in order for the leather band 16 to span the middle panel 7. The middle proximal hole 8 and the middle distal hole 9 are positioned adjacent to the rounded handle 10, which allows the leather band 16 to firmly hold the bottom portion of both first side panel 1 and the second side panel 4 near the bottom portion of the middle panel 7.

This particular configuration of the present invention requires that the first proximal hole 2, the second proximal hole 5, and the middle proximal hole 8 be aligned with each other and requires that the first distal hole 3, the second distal hole 6, and the middle distal hole 9 be aligned with each other. This particular configuration also provides the leather band 16 with a definite path to follow through the first side panel 1, the second side panel 4, and the middle panel 7, which properly binds the first side panel 1 and the second side panel 4 to the middle panel 7 with the leather band 16. Consequently, the leather band 16 comprises a proximal end 17 and a distal end 18, which are positioned opposite to each other along the leather band 16. The proximal end 17 traverses through the first proximal hole 2, the second proximal hole 5, and the middle proximal hole 8. Similarly, the distal end 18 traverses through the first distal hole 3, the second distal hole 6, and the middle distal hole 9. The metal fastener 19 is positioned adjacent to the second side panel 4 opposite to the middle panel 7 and is used to connect the proximal end 17 to the distal end 18. The metal fastener 19 is positioned adjacent to the second side panel 4 because the printed graphic 20 is positioned across the first side panel 1 opposite to the middle panel 7. If the metal fastener 19 is positioned opposite to the printed graphic 20 on the present invention, then the printed graphic 20 is displayed in a more aesthetically pleasing manner on the present invention without the presence of the metal fastener 19. In addition, if the metal fastener 19 is a metal clip, then a special upholstery pliers are used for the best result of tightening the clip to the proximal end 17 and the distal end 18 of the leather band 16.

The rounded handle 10 is designed to allow the user to adequately grasp the present invention without disrupting the back and forth movement, which is required to create the clapping sound. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the rounded handle 10 comprises a first construction layer 11, a second construction layer 12, and a middle construction layer 15. The middle construction layer 15 is centrally connected to the middle panel 7, and both the middle construction layer 15 and the middle panel 7 are formed from one piece of the material in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The first construction layer 11 is adhered against the middle construction layer 15 adjacent to the first side panel 1, and the second construction layer 12 is adhered against the middle construction layer 15 adjacent to the second side panel 4, which provides the rounded handle 10 with the proper thickness in order for the user to comfortably warp their hand around the rounded handle 10. The first construction layer 11 and the second construction layer 12 each comprise a beveled end 13 and a bottom end 14. The beveled end 13 and the bottom end 14 are positioned opposite of each other for both the first construction layer 11 and the second construction layer 12. The beveled end 13 of the first construction layer 11 is positioned opposite to the middle construction layer 15 and the positioned adjacent to the first side panel 1. Likewise, the beveled end 13 of the second construction layer 12 is positioned opposite to the middle construction layer 15 and is positioned adjacent to the second side panel 4. This configuration allows the beveled end 13 of the first construction layer 11 and the beveled end 13 of second construction layer 12 to be positioned in opposite directions on the rounded handle 10. Thus, the beveled end 13 of the first construction layer 11 allows the first side panel 1 to freely move back and forth while the user is making the clapping sound with the present invention. Similarly, the beveled end 13 of the second construction layer 12 allows the second side panel 4 to freely move back and forth while the user is making the clapping sound with the present invention. Without the beveled end 13 for both the first construction layer 11 and the second construction layer 12, the first side panel 1 and the second side panel 4 could not move back and forth in order to create the clapping sound.

The present invention can be built in three different embodiments: a smaller-sized embodiment, a moderately-sized embodiment, and a larger-sized embodiment. For the moderately-sized embodiment, the first side panel 1, the second side panel 4, and the middle panel 7 each have a width of 4 inches, a length of 5.5 inches, and a depth of 0.25 inches. The first construction layer 11, the second construction layer 12, and the middle construction layer 15 each have a width of 1.5 inches, a length of 5 inches, and a depth of 0.25 inches. The middle panel 7 and the middle construction layer 15 are cut from one piece of material, which has an original width of 4 inches and a length of 10.5 inches. In order to create the middle construction layer 15 of the rounded handle 10, the piece of material is measured 5 inches from the bottom and cutting 1.25 from both sides, which properly shapes the middle panel 7 and the middle construction layer 15 according to the dimensions for the moderately-sized embodiment. The rounded handle 10 has a depth of 0.75 when the first construction layer 11 and the second construction layer 12 are glued to the middle construction layer 15. The beveled end 13 for the first construction layer 11 and the beveled end 13 for the second construction layer 12 are cut with a 45 degree angle. If the first construction layer 11, the second construction layer 12, and the middle construction layer 15 each have a rectangular shape, then the original rectangular handle should be beveled as whole in order to create a smooth and rounded (oval-shaped) handle. The proximal hole and the distal hole are drilled into the first side panel 1, the second side panel 4, and the middle panel 7 as 3/16^(th) inch holes. The proximal hole and the distal hole are each indented 1.25 inches from their respective side of either the first side panel 1, the second side panel 4, or the middle panel 7. The proximal hole and the distal hole are each positioned 5/9^(th) of an inch from their respective bottom of either the first side panel 1, the second side panel 4, or the middle panel 7. The distance between the center of the proximal hole and the center of the distal hole is 1.5 inches. The leather band 16 has a square cross section of ⅛^(th) of an inch and a length of the 7 inches. The metal fastener 19 has a square cross section of ⅛^(th) of an inch and a length of 1 inch.

For the smaller-sized embodiment of the present invention, the first side panel 1, the second side panel 4 and the middle panel 7 have a width of 3.5 inches, a length of 4.5 inches, or 0.25 inches. The first construction layer 11, the second construction layer 12, and the middle construction layer 15 each have a width of 1.5 inches, a length of 4.5 inches, and a depth of 0.25 inches. The middle panel 7 and the middle construction layer 15 are cut from one piece of material, which has an original width of 3.5 inches and a length of 9 inches. The proximal hole and the distal hole are each indented 1 inch from their respective side of either the first side panel 1, the second side panel 4, or the middle panel 7. The proximal hole and the distal hole are each positioned 5/9^(th) of an inch from their respective bottom of either the first side panel 1, the second side panel 4, or the middle panel 7. The distance between the center of the proximal hole and the center of the distal hole is 1.5 inches. The leather band 16 has a square cross section of ⅛^(th) of an inch and a length of the 6 inches. The metal fastener 19 has a square cross section of 0.125 inches and a length of 1 inch.

For the larger-sized embodiment of the present invention, the first side panel 1, the second side panel 4 and the middle panel 7 have a width of 4.5 inches, a length of 6.5 inches, or 0.25 inches. The first construction layer 11, the second construction layer 12, and the middle construction layer 15 each have a width of 1.5 inches, a length of 5 inches, and a depth of 0.25 inches. The middle panel 7 and the middle construction layer 15 are cut from one piece of material, which has an original width of 4.5 inches and a length of 11.5 inches. The proximal hole and the distal hole are each indented 1.25 inch from their respective side of either the first side panel 1, the second side panel 4, or the middle panel 7. The proximal hole and the distal hole are each positioned 5/9^(th) of an inch from their respective bottom of either the first side panel 1, the second side panel 4, or the middle panel 7. The distance between the center of the proximal hole and the center of the distal hole is 2 inches. The leather band 16 has a square cross section of ⅛^(th) of an inch and a length of the 7 inches. The metal fastener 19 has a square cross section of 0.125 inches and a length of 1 inch.

For all embodiments, the present invention has some miscellaneous features. One miscellaneous feature is that the first side panel 1, the second side panel 4, and the middle panel 7 can be outlined with any shape. For example, the first side panel 1, the second side panel 4, and the middle panel 7 can have a rounded shaped so that the present invention resembles a ping pong paddle. Another miscellaneous feature is that the first side panel 1, the second side panel 4, and the middle panel 7 can be varnished in order to keep the present invention clean. Another miscellaneous feature is that the present invention can be stained with different colors. Another miscellaneous feature is that the printed graphic 20 can display the name or logo of an athletic team, the name of a star or idol, or an advertisement. Thus, the present invention can be decorated in many ways and colors.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A three-panel clapping device comprises, a first side panel; a second side panel; a middle panel; a rounded handle; a leather band; a metal fastener; a printed graphic; said first side panel comprises a first proximal hole and a first distal hole; said second side panel comprises a second proximal hole and a second distal hole; said middle side panel comprises a middle proximal hole and a middle distal hole; said rounded handle comprises a first construction layer, a second construction layer, and a middle construction layer; said leather band comprises a first band end and a second band end; said first side panel being positioned against said middle panel; said second side panel being positioned against said middle panel opposite to said first panel; said rounded handle being laterally connected to said middle panel and being centrally aligned to said middle panel; said first side panel and said second side panel being bound to the middle panel by said leather band; and said leather band being positioned adjacent to said rounded handle.
 2. The three-panel clapping device as claimed in claim 1 comprises, said first proximal hole and said first distal hole being positioned adjacent to each other; said first proximal hole and said first distal hole being positioned adjacent to said rounded handle; said second proximal hole and said second distal hole being positioned adjacent to each other; said second proximal hole and said second distal hole being positioned adjacent to said rounded handle; said middle proximal hole and said middle distal hole being positioned adjacent to each other; said middle proximal hole and said middle distal hole being positioned adjacent to said rounded handle; said first proximal hole, said second proximal hole, and said middle proximal hole being aligned with each other; and said first distal hole, said second distal hole, and said middle proximal hole being aligned with each other.
 3. The three-panel clapping device as claimed in claim 1 comprises, said metal fastener being positioned adjacent to said second side panel opposite to said middle panel; said proximal end and said distal end being positioned opposite each other along the leather band; said proximal end traversing through said first proximal hole, said second proximal hole, and said middle proximal hole; said distal end traversing through said first distal hole, said second distal hole, and said middle distal hole; and said proximal end being connected to said distal end by said metal fastener.
 4. The three-panel clapping device as claimed in claim 1 comprises, said printed graphic being positioned across said first side panel opposite to said middle panel.
 5. The three-panel clapping device as claimed in claim 1 comprises, said middle construction layer being centrally connected to said middle panel; said first construction layer being adhered against said middle construction layer adjacent to the first side panel; and said second construction layer being adhered against said middle construction layer adjacent to said second side panel.
 6. The three-panel clapping device as claimed in claim 1 comprises, said first construction layer and said second construction layer each comprise a beveled end and a bottom end; said beveled end and said bottom end being positioned opposite to each other; said beveled end of said first construction layer being positioned opposite of said middle construction layer; said beveled end of said first construction layer being positioned adjacent to said first side panel; said beveled end of said second construction layer being positioned opposite of said middle construction layer; and said beveled end of said second construction layer being positioned adjacent to said second side panel.
 7. A three-panel clapping device comprises, a first side panel; a second side panel; a middle panel; a rounded handle; a leather band; a metal fastener; a printed graphic; said first side panel comprises a first proximal hole and a first distal hole; said second side panel comprises a second proximal hole and a second distal hole; said middle side panel comprises a middle proximal hole and a middle distal hole; said rounded handle comprises a first construction layer, a second construction layer, and a middle construction layer; said leather band comprises a first band end and a second band end; said first side panel being positioned against said middle panel; said second side panel being positioned against said middle panel opposite to said first panel; said rounded handle being laterally connected to said middle panel and being centrally aligned to said middle panel; said first side panel and said second side panel being bound to the middle panel by said leather band; said leather band being positioned adjacent to said rounded handle; said printed graphic being positioned across said first side panel opposite to said middle panel; said middle construction layer being centrally connected to said middle panel; said first construction layer being adhered against said middle construction layer adjacent to the first side panel; said second construction layer being adhered against said middle construction layer adjacent to said second side panel; and said first construction layer and said second construction layer each comprise a beveled end and a bottom end.
 8. The three-panel clapping device as claimed in claim 7 comprises, said first proximal hole and said first distal hole being positioned adjacent to each other; said first proximal hole and said first distal hole being positioned adjacent to said rounded handle; said second proximal hole and said second distal hole being positioned adjacent to each other; said second proximal hole and said second distal hole being positioned adjacent to said rounded handle; said middle proximal hole and said middle distal hole being positioned adjacent to each other; said middle proximal hole and said middle distal hole being positioned adjacent to said rounded handle; said first proximal hole, said second proximal hole, and said middle proximal hole being aligned with each other; said first distal hole, said second distal hole, and said middle proximal hole being aligned with each other; said metal fastener being positioned adjacent to said second side panel opposite to said middle panel; said proximal end and said distal end being positioned opposite each other along the leather band; said proximal end traversing through said first proximal hole, said second proximal hole, and said middle proximal hole; said distal end traversing through said first distal hole, said second distal hole, and said middle distal hole; and said proximal end being connected to said distal end by said metal fastener.
 9. The three-panel clapping device as claimed in claim 7 comprises, said beveled end and said bottom end being positioned opposite to each other; said beveled end of said first construction layer being positioned opposite of said middle construction layer; said beveled end of said first construction layer being positioned adjacent to said first side panel; said beveled end of said second construction layer being positioned opposite of said middle construction layer; and said beveled end of said second construction layer being positioned adjacent to said second side panel.
 10. A three-panel clapping device comprises, a first side panel; a second side panel; a middle panel; a rounded handle; a leather band; a metal fastener; a printed graphic; said first side panel comprises a first proximal hole and a first distal hole; said second side panel comprises a second proximal hole and a second distal hole; said middle side panel comprises a middle proximal hole and a middle distal hole; said rounded handle comprises a first construction layer, a second construction layer, and a middle construction layer; said leather band comprises a first band end and a second band end; said first side panel being positioned against said middle panel; said second side panel being positioned against said middle panel opposite to said first panel; said rounded handle being laterally connected to said middle panel and being centrally aligned to said middle panel; said first side panel and said second side panel being bound to the middle panel by said leather band; said leather band being positioned adjacent to said rounded handle; said printed graphic being positioned across said first side panel opposite to said middle panel; said middle construction layer being centrally connected to said middle panel; said first construction layer being adhered against said middle construction layer adjacent to the first side panel; said second construction layer being adhered against said middle construction layer adjacent to said second side panel; said first construction layer and said second construction layer each comprise a beveled end and a bottom end; said beveled end and said bottom end being positioned opposite to each other; said beveled end of said first construction layer being positioned opposite of said middle construction layer; said beveled end of said first construction layer being positioned adjacent to said first side panel; said beveled end of said second construction layer being positioned opposite of said middle construction layer; said beveled end of said second construction layer being positioned adjacent to said second side panel; said first proximal hole, said second proximal hole, and said middle proximal hole being aligned with each other; said first distal hole, said second distal hole, and said middle proximal hole being aligned with each other; and said metal fastener being positioned adjacent to said second side panel opposite to said middle panel.
 11. The three-panel clapping device as claimed in claim 10 comprises, said first proximal hole and said first distal hole being positioned adjacent to each other; said first proximal hole and said first distal hole being positioned adjacent to said rounded handle; said second proximal hole and said second distal hole being positioned adjacent to each other; said second proximal hole and said second distal hole being positioned adjacent to said rounded handle; said middle proximal hole and said middle distal hole being positioned adjacent to each other; and said middle proximal hole and said middle distal hole being positioned adjacent to said rounded handle.
 12. The three-panel clapping device as claimed in claim 10 comprises, said proximal end and said distal end being positioned opposite each other along the leather band; said proximal end traversing through said first proximal hole, said second proximal hole, and said middle proximal hole; said distal end traversing through said first distal hole, said second distal hole, and said middle distal hole; and said proximal end being connected to said distal end by said metal fastener. 